I thought I had replied here when I first joined, but must have posted it elsewhere on the site… Today, April 1 marks our 1 year anniversary together, the day I was able to bring Keller home from the SPCA at the age of 2 1/2 years . Keller is one of the unfortunate double merle Aussies born deaf due to improper pairing of her parents. She knew no commands when I adopted her, not even sit or lay down. In the year that she has been with me, she has learned many things and is secure in coming to my side when she has one of her panic attacks that normally sends her into hiding under something. I’ve recently been able to let her off leash in the agility ring to play and run the obstacles. Having sun sensitive eyes, I can’t/don’t over ask of her when the sun is in her face. I’ve always trained my own animals, dogs, birds, horses…, but am happy to have joined Robert’s site as his expertise and manner of teaching enhance what comes to me naturally. It’s a little bit different training a deaf dog than one that hears and I do miss the verbal commands, but I’m happy to have adopted Keller before she spent any more time in the shelter, especially since she has panic attacks.